Fostering respect and manners as well as establishing expectations, limits and consequences is a good preparation strategy for any public outing. Setting examples of good public behavior is vital.
Parents should take advantage of teachable moments and be sure to reinforce the rules they have set. Children need clear expectations and consequences explained to them on a consistent basis. Prepare for positive outings by planning ahead. Parents can help to prevent bad behavior by avoiding major disruptions in their child’s normal routine and schedule. Make sure trips to the mall, market or your friend’s house do not cause children to skip a snack, meal or nap.
When your child exhibits good behavior, be sure to acknowledge it with a ‘thank you.’ Praise for a job well done goes a long way. Positive reinforcement instills pride and motivates children to make good behavior a habit. Resorting to bribes teaches children to value material rewards over intrinsic satisfaction. Your encouragement and praise will more often be incentive enough and build your child’s self confidence. Applied on a daily basis, these lessons can help your little one develop into a much friendlier companion, guest and citizen at home as well as in public.
Tags: Good public behavior, Setting rules and limits, Temper tantrums
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Be well.